Combined motorboat transom saver and anti-theft propeller lock device

Abstract

A combined support and lock device (10) has a longitudinally extending support portion (20) and a longitudinally extending lock portion (50). The support portion (20) includes a centrally disposed strut (22) having a first end (24) and a second end (26). The first strut end (24) is adapted to rest against a member (8) of a boat trailer frame (6). The second strut end (26) is adapted to rest against a portion of a boat motor (12). The lock portion (50) includes a hook-like rod (60) having a first end (62) and a second end (66). The first end (62) of the rod (60) is curved (64) so as to engage a recess (18) defined within the rearward portion of the boat motor propeller (16). The rod (60) extends between two adjacent propeller blades (17) to prevent rotation of the propeller (16). The second end (66) of the rod (60) is lockable within a pivotable locking flange (52) the locking flange (52) being rotatably secured to the second strut end (26) of the support portion (20) of the device (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to locks and other security devices. More specifically, it relates to a device that is used to secure a motorboat propeller to the motorboat motor when the boat is not in use. It also relates to such a device that combines a transom saving element with the device to prevent torsional forces being exerted on the motorboat transom when the motor is in the elevated position for transport of the motorboat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Recreational boating typically requires that motorboats be transported from one body of water to another. For outboard motor applications, this usually means that the motor, which is mounted to the boat transom, must be elevated such that the lowermost portion of the boat motor does not strike the ground or other obstacles at ground level. As the boat moves during transport, the elevated boat motor places dynamic torsional forces on that part of the boat transom to which the boat motor ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]What is needed is a device for securely and inexpensively supporting the boat motor during transport while at the same time locking the propeller to the motor. The present invention provides such a device that, when used properly, helps to prevent theft of boat motor propellers and provides support for the elevated boat motor and for the boat transom. The present invention provides for a unique locking device having a longitudinally extending support portion and a longitudinally extending lock portion. The support portion includes a centrally disposed strut having a first end and a second end. The first strut end is functionally adapted to rest against a member of the boat trailer frame

Problems solved by technology

Another unfortunate reality concerning motorboats is that the propeller of the elevated boat motor is vulnerable to theft since it can be relatively quickly and easily removed from the boat motor.

Propellers are typically a very expensive component of the boat motor assembly.

Propellers must be made of metal materials that are strong enough to perform as intended, which metal materials can be expensive, thus making replacement of the propeller an expensive proposition as well.

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